Post by abhijacko on Feb 8, 2014 9:36:18 GMT -8

I couldnt believe my eyes (and neither could the commentators and the rest of the world) when NZ did not enforce the follow on. The weather was perfect, their bowlers were bound to get a 40min break after 10overs or so, Indian batsmen's confidence was as low as it could be and most importantly they had a lead of 300+ runs. This was very negative and defensive from Brendo. NZ before 'not enforcing follow on' had winning odds of 95-5 for NZ, easily. But they have given India a flicker of hope, and its more like 80-20 for NZ now after that decent start the Indians have gotten.

Still a massive task for the Indians, and they can hardly relax. The biggest issue is dealing with the first session where we had wickets falling on all 3 days. If NZ can get a couple of wickets atleast in the first session, then they will win this

Post by riverpanthera on Feb 8, 2014 19:20:08 GMT -8

This match is really interesting, constant back and forth between who has the advantage. Now NZ is on top again with India 6 wickets down. But if Dhoni and Jadeja stay, India are capable of getting 100 more runs too. They've both gotten off to great starts scoring at more than 100 strike rate in a test match!

Post by riverpanthera on Feb 8, 2014 19:34:50 GMT -8

yeah, i used to not like it much but ever since i started getting more into cricket and watching it more, it can be great. But you do need other distractions. I mean I can't just watch it, I generally have the TV on and then do random other stuff at the same time. Like at teh moment I"m watching Breaking Bad on my laptop lol

Post by abhijacko on Feb 10, 2014 6:51:10 GMT -8

It was a great test match. I saw a lot of Indian fans complaining about umpire decisions. While they played too much of a role in the outcome of the match, umpiring in general was terrible in the match and NZ bore the brunt of it as well (Corey Anderson out off a no-ball)

In the end NZ were the better for longer periods in the match and deserved it. Hope the Indians have a good start in the next one

Post by riverpanthera on Feb 10, 2014 13:26:08 GMT -8

^why do india not like the DRS? do you know?

A couple of wickets did possibly go against them towards the crucial stages which is unfortunate. Although Dhoni's one, I think was ok- and DRS wouldn't have helped here as 3rd umpire was referred anyway. And I agree with the decision, I don't think Wagner's foot was touching, it's just the shape of the shoe and the 2d imaging. But even if this was counted as a wrong decision, I think the match was already mostly lost at this stage. Plus you could say since NZ had Corey Anderson's one, that it's fair in the end.

The main decision that was really bad for India I think was the lbw which shouldn't have been due to inside edge. Cant' remember hwo the batsman was. That was very cruical, and that definitely could have been fixed by DRS.

I just find it amusing that India keep refusing DRS even if they are the ones suffering. It's so strange, but because it's their own fault, I just can't feel sorry for them.

Post by riverpanthera on Feb 17, 2014 21:27:04 GMT -8

I"m so happy for Brendon!!! 300 is awesome! I've always loved watching him play and he is definitely my favourite cricketer. But his inconsistency has been a problem, so it's nice to see that change this series. A 200 followed by 300, wow.

Post by abhijacko on Feb 18, 2014 6:45:45 GMT -8

It really is great to see Brendo perform like this. I was rooting for his wicket on every ball, but it was still a delight to see a genuinely aggressive stroke maker controlling his natural instincts to pull off one of the greatest knocks in test history.

Everything seems to be falling in place for NZ bit by bit on way to the 2015 World Cup. Middle order looks settled with Williamson, Taylor, Brendo, Anderson. Bowling attack looks settled. They have a winning team if they can resolve their opening troubles.

Post by abhijacko on Feb 18, 2014 6:50:47 GMT -8

India on the other hand has one very critical question to address: Dhoni's captaincy and team selection in tests is just getting ridiculously stubborn. No other team would persist with Dhoni as captain after so many losses. I wish he would step down as test captain. He is great in ODIs